Cornerstone has acquired worldwide sales rights for Irish writer and director Frank Berry’s (“Michael Inside”) drama “Aisha” and will commence sales at the upcoming Cannes virtual market.
The film, which has wrapped production in Ireland, stars Letitia Wright (“Small Axe”) and Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”). It charts the experiences of Aisha, a young Nigerian woman, as she seeks international protection in Ireland. Caught in limbo for years in Ireland’s immigration system, she develops a friendship with a former prisoner who she meets at one of the accommodation centres, but their friendship looks to be short lived as Aisha’s future in Ireland comes under threat.
A Subotica production, “Aisha” is produced by Tristan Orpen Lynch, Aoife O’Sullivan, Donna Eperon – the trio whom worked together on Berry’s “Michael Inside” – and Park Pictures’ Sam Bisbee (“Truffle Hunters”). The film was developed and financed by Screen Ireland, BBC Film, RTE and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in association with Park Pictures, Wavelength and World of Ha Productions.
Executive producers are Rose Garnett for BBC Film, Hallee Adelman, Ivy Herman, Jenifer Westphal, Joe Plummer, Lance Acord, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Wendy Neu, William Byerley and George Rush.
Berry said: “While working with former and current international protection applicants over four years, a story emerged of a human connection in an inhumane system. I am delighted that our project has attracted the attention of such amazing funding partners and the incredible talents of Letitia Wright and Josh O’Connor who act alongside many former and current international protection applicants. It’s been a very special experience making this film so far, and I look forward to all of us bringing ‘Aisha’ to national and international audiences next year.”
Cornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder added: “Frank’s beautiful and uplifting script along with the strong acting talent will help shine a much-needed spotlight on a process that millions of people experience around the world.”